The following is a collection of short interviews of teachers at Seattle Academy. All were asked the same three questions “Where did you go to college?” “Why did you choose that school?” and “In hindsight, were you happy with your choice?”

Winter Ball is coming up soon. Anyone who has undergone the feat of asking someone to a dance can tell you that it is not always easy. It takes both courage and creativity to ask. While it’s not necessary to go “all out,” here are a few original ways to ask someone other than a verbal invitation.
When making a proposal, flowers are always classy. However, you need to decide if the person you are asking would actually appreciate flowers. Roses are a good go-to flower, but consider the preference of the person they are for. Do you know their favorite flower? Or perhaps their favorite color? Customizing flowers to match someone’s taste shows thought as well as effort.

Baked goods are another good alternative. Pastries can show that you put effort into the endeavor, and thus demonstrate that you care. If you’re on a tight schedule or genuinely cannot bake, you could buy a cupcake from Cupcake Royale and bring it along when you ask. Or, you could make cookies and spell out “Tolo?” in the frosting. (Cupcake Royale will also write messages on their cupcakes if you ask).

Another good idea from past years at SAAS is writing the names of all of the people in your grade on a white shirt in washable marker, except for your name, which would be in permanent. Don’t forget to write “wash me” on the shirt as well. Then present the shirt to the person you want to ask with a note that reads “tolo?” or “Winter Ball?” When the shirt is washed, the only remaining name will be yours.

Depending on who you are asking, you might consider a softer touch with the addition of a stuffed animal. Stuffed animal range in both size and price, and can be implemented many different ways. In past years, students have often used teddy bears to carry invitations; just don’t forget to add your name if you don’t present the bear personally.

There are unlimited ways to ask someone to Winter Ball other than the ones provided above. However, hopefully these ideas will help spark your creativity and ease the stressful process of asking someone.

In the coming weeks, Nadia Jamrosik and Gigi Gedye will be offering newspaper coverage of how students are actually asking each other to Winter Ball.